More Florida Pictures

Maddy and Mitch posing on the Grand Staircase at the Grand Floridian. The resort was truly Grand in every way.
I got a free pair of Mickey Ears after riding the Everest Expedition Roller Coaster (very fun!) at the Animal Kingdom. We did get a little rain that day, but it was still warm and the lines were short.
Mitchell is sitting on Eliot's shoulders watching the Animal Kingdom parade. It seems like just yesterday that it was Madison who was sitting on Eliot's shoulders watching the same parade. Amazing!
Madison right at home on the beach at the Grand Floridian resort. They had a couple pools to choose from and this one was right on the sandy waterfront. We could see the Magic Kingdom from the resort, as well as Cinderella's Castle- Madison really liked that.
Our last night in Orlando. We are in Downtown Disney enjoying Ghiradelli Sundaes. We went to a really fun toy store and let the kids pick out one thing. Madison chose a "My Little Pony" and Mitchell chose Cars. (No surprise there.)

Disney World Highlights

We had a fabulous time in Orlando. So great, in fact, that it was hard to return home to reality. Our days were filled with fun and relaxation! Here are some of the highlights. The scene as you walk through Magic Kingdom IS magical. I think Eliot and I can now be considered Disney Freaks (Three visits to Disney World in three years). Eliot knows all the facts about the business side of Disney and how can you not enjoy the attention to detail- it is unmatched. We also went on the "behind the scenes" tour so we got to see how Disney is able to pull all of this off. And yes, they do have an underground "city" beneath the Magic Kingdom.
Eliot and Mitchell on the Aladdin Magic Carpet ride.
The whole fam on the train ride around the Magic Kingdom.
Madison excited for the Carousel ride.
" Whose the leader of the club that's made for you and me?

M-I-C-K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E."

Madison hanging out with Princess Aurora during the Princess and Pirate Breakfast. Notice the matching outfits. And yes, Madison got a new princess dress. She picked the Sleeping Beauty dress over all the other princess. Madison hasn't even seen Sleeping Beauty, but the girl loves pink!
Eliot and the kids enjoying breakfast together.
Cinderella practices blowing kisses with Madison. The kids also got autographs from the characters in their autograph books. Minnie and Mickey were also there, as well as Captain Hook and Mr. Schmee. Mitchell was a little hesitant to get his picture taken alone with any of the characters.
Mitchell dressed up as a pirate- more or less. At least he paused for a quick "cheese."
Eliot and the kids a Magic Kingdom- ready for a day of fun!

January 2008

Christmas Joys

Mitchell is obsessed with cars so naturally he was completely thrilled with his 4-wheeler from Santa Claus. (aka Eliot who had his heart set on getting this for Mitchell. There was no negotiating.) Notice the stream of drool dripping down his chin. He was so excited he forgot to swallow.

Here is Madison posing quite seriously near many of her Christmas treasures. She is wearing her new bathrobe, standing next to her scooter, and displaying her glow-in-the-dark stars. (Thank you Vanna.)

Les Bois

This is a picture of the adults (Jennie, Mike, Angie, Eliot, Natalie, and Brian) after our date night at Mona Lisa Fondue in Boise. We had a blast! Special thanks to Mike's two nieces who put all seven kids, including three babies, to bed. It was definitely a memorable meal complete with a few laughs!
Madison had a blast in the snow while we were in Boise. There had a been a snow storm just prior to our arrival, which was great! We definitely wanted to see some snow because it has become a novelty for us. This is Danny and Madison sledding together.
A Swensen Sister gathering would not be complete without some serious singing. We got out the spoons for old times sake. I think we are singing our hearts out to Kelly Clarkson. It was so fun! I think the kids were a little shocked. I believe the husbands are used to it by now.
The three youngest boy cousins in their matching firetruck pajamas from Grandma Swensen. Mitchell - 19 months, Ryan - 3 years, and Wesley - 8 months. By the way, Ryan and Wesley are holding waffles. Whatever it takes to get a good picture.

Never a dull moment

We have been so busy with all the activities that go along with Christmastime that I haven't had a chance to update my blog. We have had a lot of visitors, holiday parties, and other year-end activities. My only complaint is that I don't have time to do everything San Diego has to offer. Here is a look at a few things we have been up to.We decided to go with a real tree from a farm. (Thanks to all who voted.) It was a fun experience to get all bundled up to go pick out our tree. It was about 50 degrees- brrrr!

Looks like Mitchell found the perfect tree. I have decided that I really like having a real tree. I think the one we got is gorgeous and it smells great too. I think we will stick with real trees, at least for now. It is somehow refreshing!

December in San Diego. It has actually gotten quite chilly in the evenings, but afternoons are still warm. Yes, warm enough for swimming suits.

We enjoyed a visit from our Orange County cousins and we went to see the lights at the San Diego temple. From left to right: Hillary, Owen, Lilly, Madison, Mitchell, and Angie.

Madison and Lilly really loved the life-size Nativity on the San Diego Temple grounds.

Go Cougars!

We went as a family to see the BYU Cougars play football against San Diego State. It was a fun game. I think there were more Cougar fans than Aztec fans. BYU won, I don't think it was much of a contest. You can't see very well, but all of us are wearing BYU attire. Rah rah rah rah rah Gooooooo Cougars!

I thought Madison looked adorable with all of her accesories. She is really into clips, jewelry, head bands (obviously), curling her hair and other girly things. Also, it was quite a feat that she is wearing jeans in this picture. I can't remember the last time she wore pants before this time. She usually only wears dresses and skirts.